​Sunset may arrive earlier in the fall, but runners can glow and go with the Light the Torch 5K Night Run, a timed race presented by the Wheaton Park District and the FT Cares Foundation September 30, 5:30-9P in downtown Wheaton (120 E. Liberty St., Wheaton, Ill.).

The pre-party kicks off at 5:30P with an inflatable slide, DJ, food truck, glow giveaways, and complimentary Flow & Glow Yoga class from NEXT Yoga (6-6:45P). Then runners stretch their muscles, crack their glow sticks, and shine their brightest when the race starts at 7P.

Luminary lanes line the race route through Wheaton, and many runners wear fluorescent bracelets, headbands, shirts, socks, and other accessories to light up the night.

"I love when runners get into the spirit of the event and dress up with all the glow accessories they can find," said Nicole Kapala, Marketing & Events Coordinator at the Wheaton Park District. "Last year, we had quite a few runners with glow sticks, wristbands, headbands, and face paint."

Leanne Snavely finished first in her age category in 2014, the race's inaugural year.

"The volunteers and sponsors made sure we were decked out in glow sticks as we ran, and some neighbors even decorated their front yards with lights and music as we ran by," she said. "I liked that it was a fun run, but also timed for those of us with a little competitive edge."

Snavely also appreciated the event's charitable nature.

"It was both a unique and creative concept for a race, as well as a run that donates proceeds to charity," Snavely said. "I always try to pick out races that support a charity or foundation that has an impact on our local community."

A portion of the race's proceeds will benefit the FT Cares Foundation, which works to transform lives locally, nationally, and globally. Every month, the Foundation focuses on a different charitable area of impact, from Children's Health and Welfare in March to 9/11 Memorials & Survivor Support in September.

Over $300,000 was donated to charities local and worldwide in 2015.

"This is our third year partnering with the FT Cares Foundation and we could not be more excited," said Kristina Nemetz, Superintendent of Marketing & Special Events at the Wheaton Park District. "The FT Cares Foundation does such great work in the community-through DuPage Pads, Normal Moments, Operation Support Our Troops, and Send a Smile, to name a few-and we're honored to be a part of their charitable work."

Before September 26, registration for the Light the Torch 5K Night Run is $35 per person, $30 per person in a team of four or more, and $20 per child (10 and under). Registration includes a reflector run shirt for the first 800 runners, pre-party, race, and post-race refreshments.

Packet pickup will be held September 28, 10A-7P in the lobby of 120 E. Liberty St., Wheaton, Ill.